Telegraphically-operated signal system.



N0. 703,8). Patented Jul I, I902.

J. N. nawsom.

TELEGRAPHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

(Application filed Mar. 11, 1901. Renewed May 28, 1902.) v (No Model.) 9 Sheets-Sheet 2.

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No. 703,810. Patented July 1., 1902 J. N. NEWSOM.

TELEGRAPHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

(Application filed Mar. 11, 1901. Renewed May 28, 1902.,

(No Model.) 9 Sheets--Sheet 3 m: NORRIS PETERS co, PHOTO-LITHO WASHINGTON. 0. c.

Nu; 703,8l0. Patented July I, 1902 J. N. NEWSUM.

TELEGRAPHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

(Application filed Mar. 1!, 1901 Renewed May 28 1902.) (No Model.) 9 Sheets Sheci 4.

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m: norms PETERS co. motom'mm, msn-uum'ouv o. c.

N0. 703,8!0. Patented July I, I902.

J. N. NEWSOM.

TELE(:\|'1APHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

(Application filed Mar. 11, 1901. Renewed May 28, 1902.) (No Model.) 9 Shaets-Sheet 5.

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No. 703,8). Patented July I, I902.

J. N. NEWSOM.

TELEGRAPHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

(Application filed Mar. 11, 1901. Renewed May 28, 1902.) (No Model.) 9 Sheets Sheet 6.

ma uoams PETERS ca. FNQTO-LITHCL wnmusron. n. c.

No. 703,8l0. Patented July I, I902.

' J. N. NEWSOM.

TELEGRAPHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

(Application filed Mar. 11, 1901. Reflewed-May 28, 1902.)

9 Shoets-8heet 74 (No Model.)

"m: nonms PETERS co. Puoroumu wmumaron u c Patented July l, |902.

.1. N. NEWSOM.

TELEGRAPHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM. {Applicatio n filed Mar. 11, 190).. Rnewed may 28, 1909.)

9 Shqets-$heet 8.

(No Model.)

i l l l l m: rgunms PETERS co, wu oi'ournou wAswmcron. n. a.

Patented July 1, 1902.

No. 703,8I0.

J. N. mawsom. TELEGRAPHICALLY OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

(Application filed Mar. 11, 1901. Renewed May 28, 190 2.)

9 Sheets-Sheet 9.

(No Model.)

ATENT' FFICE.

JOSEPH N. NEWVSOM, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

TELEG RAPHlCALLY-OPERATED SIGNAL SYSTEM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 703,810, dated July 1, 1902. Application filed March 11, 1901. Renewed May 28, 1902. Serial No. 109,392. (No model.)

T0 to whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOSEPH N. NEwsoM, a citizen of the United States, residing at St. Louis, State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Telegraphically- Operated Signal Systems, of which the following is a specification, reference being bad therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in telegraphically-operated signal systems.

The object of myinvention is to provide means for operating semaphores to show the danger-signal by means of the Morse telegraph-code, a series of semaphores being provided with a distinctive call for each arm and placing a number of semaphores under control of the train-despatcher, whowill first set any particular one himself and then by the same operation call the operator by a signal at the particular station to the traim wire that he may receive the train-order.

To this end my improvements have reference to an actuating instrument for each semaphore, have reference to a telltale or repeat-back mechanism in combination with each semaphore, have reference to a signalbell in combination with the telegraphicallyoperated semaphore, and have reference to points of construction, arrangement, and operation hereinafter fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, on which like reference-letters indicate corresponding parts, Figure 1 represents a front elevation of my semaphore-actuating mechanism; Fig. 2, a View of the left side of the same looking at it in the direction of the arrow of Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a view of the right side of the same; Fig. 4., aplan view on the line X X of Fig. 3, the section being taken through the support for the form-guides; Fig. 5, a plan View of the platform-sill and escapement-wheel with the escapement-magnet,its armature, and escapement; Fig. 6, detail perspective views of the escapement and the check; Fig. 7, a similar view of the escapement-armature; Fig. 8, a side View of the actuating-magnet, its armature, and contact-points; Fig. 9, a detail perspective view of the armature of Fig. 8, an outside view of the bar-switch and its link connection; Fig. 10, a vertical section on the line Y of Fig. 1 to the top of the guide-support and looking from the right; Fig. 11, a plan and central vertical section on the line Z Z of the bar-wheel; Fig. 12, a perspective detail of one of the slidingbars; Fig. 13, a side view of a sliding bar and a sectional view of the rim of the bar-wheel and adjacent casing; Fig. 14, a detail plan and vertical section of a disk-support for the cam-props; Figs. 15 and 16, detail perspective views of the cam-props mounted in the lower ends of the form-guides; Figs. 17 and 18, perspective details of the left-hand and right-hand guides, respectively, as viewed from the center; Fig. '19, an inside View of the gnide-support with the opening arms for the escapement-circuit andthe trip for the form-guides; Fig.20, an outside view of the guide-support, the contacts of the semaphore and bell-circuit, and portions of two forms resting on the tops of the sliding bars set to illustratethe Morse letter D; Fig. 21, a detail perspective view of the guide-support; Fig. 22, an inside view of the A form, a portion of the casing and the sliding bars in section engaged by the form; Fig. 23, a similar View of the B form and its corresponding engagement; Fig. 24, a plan view of a portion of the casing, the switch, and the sliding bars in section; Fig. 25, an inside View of the same; Fig. 26, a perspective view of a rockerarm exemplifying the yielding point of the dividing-flange of the casing; Fig. 27, amodification of the yielding point; Fig. 28, a view similar to Fig. 25, showing the shoe that opens the escapement-circuit when a Morse dash is made; Fig. 29, a face View of the interior of a semaphore-casing with the position of the mechanism when one arm is down and the other has been thrown up; Fig. 80, a plan view of the same on a horizontal section through the center of Fig. 29; Fig. 31, a view of the opposite face of the semaphore head and arms with a diagram of the electric conductors and their connections; Fig. 32, a plan view of the driving and winding mechanism for the escapement; Fig. 33, a diagram view illustrating the motor-circuit; and Fig. 34 a diagram View of a series of stations, showing the train-wire, its keys, relays, and local sounder-circuits and the special wire to the several station-semaphores and the relay and actuating instrument for each station.

I will first describe the actuating mechanism by which the semaphore electrically connected therewith is operated telegraphically. The base 1 has a sill on which are columns 3, supporting a plate 4. Preferably in the base itself is located a motor consisting of fields 5, surrounded by field-coils 5, and an armature 6, mounted on its shaft 7, supported on an adjustable bearing 8 in 'a stirrup 9 from the base, Fig. 10. The sill carries a flanged ring 10, having a yoke 11, Figs. 10 and 33, that spans the ringlike an inverted U. This yoke serves for the upper bearing of the armature-shaft 7 and carries the brushes 12 12 in their insulated supports 13 13, by which the circuit is completed to the commutator 14, which is connected to the battery 15, Fig. On the top of the yoke is fastened a disk 16, of insulating material, supporting on its upper face a pair of concentric rings 17 and 18, having terminal pieces 19 20, by which one ring 17, say-is connected by a conductor to one pole of a battery 15 and thence connected to one brush 12, and the other ring 18 is connected by a conductor to the field-coils and thence to the other commutator-brush 12, Fig. 33.

A pinion 21, Fig. 10, fixed on the armatureshaft '7, drives a gear-wheel 22, fixed on a parallel shaft 23, journaled in the sill 2 and plate 4. A secondary pinion 24, also fixed on the said shaft 23, meshes with and drives a winding-wheel 25, loosely mounted on a main shaft 26, which passes through the disk 16 and is journaled in the top of said yoke 11 and in a spanner 27, supported by the plate 4. Secured to the lower side of said Windingwheel, but insulated therefrom, are brushes 28 and 29, Figs. 1, 10, and 33, which project downward and make electrical contact with the said rings 17 and 18, respectively, assisted by the weight of the winding-wheel, which they support.

On the main shaft above the winding-wheel is fixed an escapement-wheel 30,with ratchetteeth, and having a spring connection with the said winding-wheel 25, whereby it is driven with a yielding impulse. The preferred arrangement for effecting said impulse is by means of an equalizing-arm 31, Fig. 32, loosely mounted by its collar 32 on the main shaft and connected by a retractile spring 33 on one side to a stud 33 on the said windingwheel and on the other side by a spiral or other spring 34 with a stud on said escapement-wheel 30. The winding action of the wheel extends the spring 33, which draws after it the arm 31, which in turn contracts the spring 34, and thereby aifects the escapement-wheel 30. In other words, the arm 31 is hung between the two springs 33 and 34 and is yieldingly drawn on by the former spring and with a yielding action in turn draws on the escapement-wheel.

The ad vantage of this arrangement will appear presently.

The mechanical connection between the wheels 25 and 31, above described, is supplemented by an electrical connection, Fig. 32, by means of contact-points--one point 35 carried by the winding-wheel and the other, 36, adapted to follow the first under the action of the said spring connection. Hence the latter contact-point 36 is preferably located on the said equalizing-arm 31, so that the arm shall follow the rotation of the wheel 25,with the electrical contact-points 35 and 36 under a varying con tact-pressure, and increase the tension of the spring 34, and thereby increase the potential rotative tendency of the escapement-wheel 30. The latter contact-point 36 may be otherwise mounted. The rotation of the winding-wheel 25 puts a gradually-increasing tension on both springs 33 and 34 (the escapement-wheel being held, as later exp1ained;) but the spring 33 is initially the stronger one of the two, and hence maintains the points and 36 pressed together with a gradually-diminishing pressure as the rotation continues, and the coil-spring 34 exerts a stronger pull till the points are nearly or quite separated, thus breaking the motor-circuit. In other words, the motor operates to put the springs 33 and 34 under tension, so that power is stored, which power is utilized to operate the shaft 26 when the escapement is operated. Fig. 33 shows these contacts 35 and 36 having conductors connecting them with the brushes 29 and 28, which bear like commutator-brushes upon the rings 18 and 17, respectively, and hence are adapted to complete the motor-circuit through the commutatorbrushes l2 and their electrical connections before described. When these points 35 and 36 are in contact, the motor-circuit is closed, the armature revolves and actuates the es capement-wheel through the train of wheelwork and spring connection just described.

Now if the escapement-wheel be held or sufficiently retarded the motor will continue its action on the winding-wheel andincrease the tension on the spring connection with the escapement-wheel till the stress overcomes the tension of the spring 33, thereby causing the contact-point 35 to draw away from the point 36, which is being retarded by the spring 34, thus opening the circuit and stopping the motor. The impulse stored in the spring connection will, however, afford considerable rotative effect to the escapement when released, whereupon the retraction of the spring 33 will bring the contact points together again, thus closing the circuit once more and starting the motor again. Thus the action of the motor is equalized on the escapementwheel.

As is well known in electricity, the greater the pressure with which two contact-points bear on each other the greater the quantity of electricity that will pass through the same,

- and, on the other hand, a weaker contactpressure will cause a greater resistance to the passage of the current, and thus a lesser quantity will pass through said points. The contact-points and 36, just described, operate on this principle and constitute, with the spring connection mentioned, a current regulator or governor of the electric motorthat is, when the said contact-points bear strongly against each other a stronger current is drawn from the battery to the motor, energizing the latter strongly, but when the contacts bear with lighter pressure on each other under the rotative effect of the winding mechanism, as above described, a weaker current is drawn through the motor. When the prior motor impulse is nearly exhausted by reason of the succeeding angular motion of the escapement-wheel, the said contact-points bear harder on one another, and thus draw more current from the battery to energize the motor more strongly. Thus the current is only used as fast as itis required and in the strength that is required. When not needed, the current is cut down to a minimum. Therefore in practical operation the motor starts up when the operation of the escapement slackens the tension of the coil-spring enough to close the motor-circuit through the contactpoints 35 and 36. Thus asubstantially constant store of power is maintained to drive the escapement-wheel 30, the shaft 26, and the disk-wheel 58. (To be described later.)

Referring to Figs. 5, 6, and 7 ,the escapement proper or pivoted bar 37is provided with a spring-arm 38, carried bya block of insulating material fastened to the escapement. The escapement is pivoted by ascrew 39 to the free end of an armature 40, suitably mounted above a magnet-coil 41, mounted on the sill. A tension-spring 42, Fig. 3, is provided for said armature. The free end of the armature 40 is provided with a head forming a check 43, Fig. 6, having a tooth to match the escapement-tooth, and preferably made separately, and fastened to the armature by screws through corresponding holes. (Shown in Figs. 6 and 7.) A pair of lugs 44 and 45 on said armature act as stops to limit the vibration of the escapement,which is mounted between them, Fig. 5. A lateral spring 46 from the insulating-block on the escapement to a side hook 47 on the armature tends to hold the escapement against the stop 44, with the end of the spring-arm against a contact-point 48, carried by a lug that is insulatingly mounted on said armature at one side of said arm. The escapement and the check arein matching position, with the check engaging the escapement-wheel when the escapement-arm and the point 48 are in contact, as shown in Fig. 5.

In the normal position of the parts in Fig. 5 the check is in engagement with the escapement-wheel, and when the magnet 41 is energized the pivoted bar 40 is drawn downward, so that the check is disengaged from the wheel and the escapement carried by the bar is engaged with the wheel. Fig.5 shows the two teeth in line vertically, ready for the descent. When drawn down, the escapement opens laterally to the dotted position. Fig. 32 also shows the forward position of the escapement 37 with the check-tooth below ready to rise in the next notch of the wheel 30.

Referring now to Figs. 31 and 32, the action of the mechanism just described is as follows: As the normal position of the main line M is closed, the train-despatcher first opens his key. This releases the armature 49 of the main-line relay 50 and opens the local circuit L and releases the local armature 52 of the local magnet 51. Its armature 52 is thereupon thrown up by the armature-spring 53. Upper and lower stops insulated from each other and provided with contact-points 54 and 55, respectively, limit the armature 52, the contact 57 of which is common to both points 54 and 55. On its release this armature closes to the upper point 54, having a conductor connecting the escapement magnet 41 to the minus pole, say, of the instrument-battery 56.

opens laterally to the dotted position, Fig. 5,

and allows one tooth only of thewheel 30 to escape. The escapement now rests against the lug 45 and holds the wheel as shown in Fig. 32. The check-bar 40 moves up and down. The escapement 37 is pivoted to the head of said bar and is swung laterally by the escapement-wheel as soon as it engages the wheel in place of the check. Now a downward movement of the key on the main-line wire energizes the main-line relay, which attractsits armature 49, thus closing the local circuit L, causing the local magnet 51 to attract its armature 52, thereby closing its contact 57 to the lower contact 55, which is connected electrically through the spring-arm 38 and the opposing contact 48 to the minus pole (as before) of the said battery 56. The circuit through the escapement-magnet which is now closed through the lower contact 55 will be known as the dot-and-dash circuit. The circuit that was closed on an upstroke of the contact 57 to the upper contact 54 will be designated the space-circuit. At the instant the contact 57 and 54 were separated at the beginning of the downstroke the escapementinagnet released its armature, allowing it to rise and enable its spring-arm to close to the contact-point 48. The check holds the escapement-wheel, and the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 5. When the con- I to tact 57 closes to the lower contact, therefore, the escapement-armature is drawn down, the check on its free end is disengaged from the escapement-wheel, and the tooth of the escapement following the check is thereupon engaged with the escapement-wheel. The escapement-wheel now separates the spring-arm and the contact 48 by the lateral movement of the escapement in engagement with the escapement-wheel. The circuit is therefore open at the contact 48, which causes the escapement -magnet to release its armature, which thereupon rises under the action of its spring. Since one tooth of the wheel has escaped while the check was below the wheel, the check will rise in the next tooth ahead, the escapement will be disengaged as the check engages, and the spring-arm by its lateral motion will close to the contact-point 48 and close the circuit again. If the key is still down, as would be the case in makinga Morse dash, (equal to three 11 nits,) the circuit would be closed again to the battery through the escapement magnet. The escapement would thereupon descend again, open the circuit, and rise, escaping another tooth but on rising the escapement-arln would again close the circuit to the point 48, again energize the magnet 41, be attracted a third time, open the circuit at 48, as before, releasing the armature, escape a tooth, and close to the contact 48 a third time, as previously described. Thus it is evident that holding down the main key would cause the escapement to vibrate continuously three times and more; but a cutout device (the shoe) to be described later opens the circuit after three double strokes are made, the object of which will appear presently.

It is evident that if the main key be closed for a space of time representing one unit, as when making a Morse dot, the contact 57 will likewise close to the lower contact 55 and but one double stroke of the escapement-armature will be made, and hence but one tooth will escape. In other words, a Morse dot makes the escapement vibrate down and up once and allows the escapement-wheel and its shaft to turn one tooth. A Morse dash makes the escapement-armature vibrate three double strokes and allows the escapementwheel and shaft to turn three teeth, and an upstroke of the main key, representing a Morse space, causes a corresponding upstroke of the armature 52 to close its contact 57 to the upper contact 54, thereby effecting one downstroke of the escapement-armature and the passing of one tooth of the escapementwheel, as before described.

Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, the main shaft 26 has secured on its upper portion above the escapement-wheel a socket-wheel 58, having sockets in its rim substantially parallel to the axis. In these sockets are slidingly mounted the bars, one being shown in detail in Fig. 12, each bar consisting of a shank 59, preferably rectangular and having an easy sliding fit in its socket, and a lateral stem 60 at or near the top of said shank, having one side angular or sharpened to a horizontal edge radially disposed when the bar is mounted in said socket or bar wheel. On the opposite side of the bar from the stem there is preferably provided an inward extension, so that the bar appears like the letter T, the stem and the head forming the cross-piece at the top. A downward projection 61 from the inner end of the head is preferably provided, as shown in the figures. From the plan view of the bars, Fig. 4, mounted in their wheel, it will be seen that the inner ends of the heads are close together, and, in fact, each bar at its inner end is nearly or quite in contact with the adjacent bar on each side. Thus when it is raised from its socket, as will presently be described, the downward extension on the inner end of the head is guided by the adjacent bars and assists the sockets in maintaining the bar in a radial plane. The stem of each bar projects horizontally outward beyond the periphery of the rim of said wheel, and being farther from the center a space is left between each two adjacent bars. The said stem is adapted to pass above or below an annular flange 62 on the inner face of a circular casing 63,Fig. 25,surrounding said wheel and carried by or forming part of the plate 4, Figs. 10 and 11. An upper flange 64 on the inner face of said casing is preferably provided, so as to form an annular groove 65, adapted to receive the stems of said sliding bars when raised above the dividing-flange 62, before mentioned. The upper edge of the rim of said bar-wheel is located adjacent to but below said dividing-flange 62, so as to allow the said stem to pass under the flange when the bars are in their lower position in the sockets and the heads are resting on the rim, as in Fig. 13.

The number of sockets and sliding bars correspond with the number of teeth in the escapement-wheel on the same main shaft, and hence each tooth has a corresponding bar in the socket-wheel above. Therefore the rotation of the escapement-wheel which drives the main shaft effects the same angular rotation of the bar-wheel and carries the sliding bars around in a horizontal plane.

The rim of the bar-wheel casing has a notch, Figs. 24 and 25, in which is pivoted a barswitch 65, curved to correspond to a segment of the casing and horizontally pivoted at 66 to a stud 67 on the plate 4. Its inner face has a groove adapted to match the said groove 65 at the rear or exit end and flared at the front or entrance end of the switch to embrace a space equal to a stem in any adj ustment above and below said dividing-flange that the switch may make. The pivot is placed near its front end, and a stud projects horizontally outward between the exit end and said pivot, by which is engaged a link 68, Figs. 2 and 24, connecting it with the armature 52 of the local magnet, Figs. 1, 2, and 8.

Opposite the exit end of the switch the dividingflange is provided with a yielding point 69, preferably formed by mounting a portion of said flange 62 on a rocker-arm 70, pivoted to the casing on a horizontal axis at 71 and having a tension-spring 72, attached to the arm below said pivot, so as to throw the point 69 away from the flange, leaving a clearance-space for its yielding movement. The pointimpinges on the adjacent end of the switch under the action of the spring or is otherwise limited. This yielding dividingpoint may be otherwise effected, such as by a spring-mounted point 69, as shown in the modification in Fig. 27. Now it will be evident that the free end of the switch will rise and fall with the local-magnet armature 52 by the link connection aforesaid, and since the-bar-wheel is on the same shaft as the'escapement-wheel and carries the same number of bars as there are teeth in said wheel a bar will pass out of said switch for each tooth that escapes. When the local-magnet armature is released to form a Morse space, it raises the switch and delivers the bar correspondingto the escaped tooth of the escapement -wheel above the yielding point. lVhen the local-magnet armature is depressed by forming a Morse dot, the switch is depressed also and delivers the bar corresponding with the escaped tooth below the said yielding point. Furthermore, when the localmagnet armature is held closed to the lower contact 55 by the key making a Morse dash and three teeth of the escapement-wheel pass the escapement, as before described, three corresponding bars will pass out of said switch below said yielding point. Thus every Morse space made by the key throws a bar above the yielding point and only one; but every Morse dot throws a bar below said flangepoint and every Morse dash throws three bars below.

The yielding point before mentioned prevents jamming of the bar-stems against said point as the bars are carried up by the barswitch and are carried forward by the rotation of the bar-wheel. The intermittent forward movement is very rapid, and should one of the bar-stems project a little too far forward before its upward movement, so that its angular face would strike the yielding point in passing up, said point would yield and prevent injury to the mechanism.

It will be recalled that the closing of the key for a Morse dash, equal to three units, causes the escapement to make three double strokes-2'. 6., three down and three up, the teeth escaping only on the downstrokes as the check rises in the next forward notch. A longer dash than three units would cause more than three teeth to escape, and hence more than three bars to pass below said dividing-flange in the bar-casing, were it not for the cut-out mechanism now to be described. The preferred form of this mechanism consists of a vertically-moving block or shoe 73, Fig. 28 mounted on a swinging arm 74, (or otherwise,) supported above said sliding bars. This arm is horizontally pivoted at 75, Fig. 2, to a post of insulating material 76, carried by the plate 4, Fig. 2, and is provided I with an adjustable stop 73, having a tip of insulating material adapted to be engaged by the switch on its upstroke, thereby raising the shoe above the sliding bars. This shoe is long enough to cover three of the bars as mounted in the bar-wheel and will therefore drop down by gravity or otherwise between the space-bars and the exit end of the switch whenever three bars in succession pass un der the point 69, as in makinga Morse dash. The shoe will ride on top of the space-bars when dots are being made, but willinstantly drop down, as shown in Fig. 28, when a dash is made.

Above the shoe-arm is an opening-arm 76, likewise pivoted to said insulating-post, Fig.

, 2, and having a contact 77 near its free end,

adapted to engage with a similar contact 78 on the shoe-arm below when the latter is in its raised position, Fig. 25. When the shoe drops, however, it opens the said contacts 77 and 78, as the arm 76 is prevented from following by an adjustable stop 79, having an insulated engagement with the casing, Fig. 28, or other support. The shoe-arm and its openingarin are in series with the contact 57 of the 10- cal-magnet armature. Fig. 31 shows the conductor connecting the con tact 57 with the shoearm, and the circuit back to theplus pole of the battery 56 is made from the opening-arm through mechanism to be presentlydescribed. The circuit is completed to the minus pole of the said battery, as when making a Morse dot or dash, by the contact 57 closing to the lower contact 55 and thence by the dot-and-dash circuit through the escapement-contacts and escapement-magnet 41. Hence contacts 57 and 55 being closed the descent of the shoe after three bars have passed below the flangepoint opens the contacts of the shoe-arm and its opening-arm on the plus side, thus stopping the vibration of the escapement. Now no more teeth will escape nor bars pass, even though the operators key be kept down. Since the escapement magnet is stopped by the dropped shoe, the lowered key may energize the local magnet and hold its armature down (the contacts 57 and 55 together) Without closing the circuit which has just been opened by the shoe. Thus it is evident that no more than three teeth can escape, and hence only three bars can be delivered consecutively under the flange-point. As previouslyexplained, only one bar will be thrown above the flange by closing the circuit through the upper contact and the spacecircuit, no matter how long such contact is held. The releaseof the key after making a Morse dash releases the armature 52, allows its contact 57 to close to the upper contact 54:, thus energizing the'esc'apement-magn et through the space-circuit, and delivers the next bar above the flangepoint. At the same time that the switch is raised to deliver said space-bar the shoe is raised from the three previous bars by the switch engaging the adjustable stop 73, and when the space-bar passes out of the switch above the yielding point it holds up the said shoe, as shown in Fig. 25, even though the switch itself may be lowered for the next dot or dash bar delivery. The dots and dashes of the Morse code are therefore represented by the bars delivered below said flange 62, while the spaces are similarly represented by the bars delivered above said flange. I will now describe my register mechanism for said bars.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 4, the posts on the plate 4 carry a bridge-piece 81, having on the outside face vertical grooves in which are slidingly mounted two guides 82 and 83, provided at the bottom with lateral extensions 82 and 83, having holes by which are fastened the screw-stubs of theforms S2 and 83 by lock-nuts, as shown. These forms consist of notched plates vertically disposed and curved concentric with the axis of the bar-wheel. The notches in said forms, Figs. 22 and 23, are located at such distances circumferentially on their lower edge as to embrace the space-bars that are thrown up when the calls for that particular station are given telegraphically. The two forms correspond with the two semaphore-arms, as will appear presently, and any suitable letter or combination of letters of the Morse code may be cut on each form, so as to designate particularly the respective semaphore-arm. Thus the teeth of the said forms between the adjacent notches will match with the dots or dashes represented by the bars below the flange. The wide or dash teeth ride upon the space-bars when other calls are given; but in order to prevent the form dropping by a wide tooth engaging t he dash in a letter other than its own particular call-letter the said call letter or letters are out several times in the form. Thus sotne of the dash and the dot teeth will always rest on the space-bars and hold up the form till its particular call repeated several times in succession. Then the corresponding form will drop into mesh with the bars representing said call.

Referring to Fig. 19, on the inside of said guides are side lugs S 1 and S5, passinginside through respective openings 84. and S5 in said support, Figs. 17,18, 19, 21. These lugs carry insulated contacts which are connected by a conductor 86. Above eachguide-contact is a corresponding opening-arm 84 and 85, insulatingly pivoted to said support and provided with insulating-stops 87 and 88, so placed as to litnit the descent of their respective arms, and thus open the circuit of which the arms form a part, when the corresponding form drops, as before described. One opening-armsay 85'is connected by a conductor 89 with the said shoe-opening arm and thence through the shoe-arm and local-magnet armature to the minus pole of the battery by either the space circuit or the dot-anddash circuit. The other arm 84: is similarly connected to theplus pole of said battery by a conductor 90. Thus when either form drops in response to its Morse call registered by the sliding bars, as above described, the circuit is opened at the arm above the dropped guide and form and the actuating mechanism is interrupted. The guide-bars also carry by lugs 91 and 92 on their faces, preferably, insulated contacts 91 and 92, Fig. 20, which are above and normally separated from the matching contacts 93 and 94:, insulatingly mounted in a web 81 of said guide-support or otherwise, and are connected by a terminal piece 95. The contacts last named are therefore common to the minus pole of the battery 56 through the conductor 96, while the said outside contacts 91 and 02 of the two guides are connected to the operating mechanism of a semaphore S in order that when one form falls in response to its call the corresponding semaphore-arm will be thrown up, and, similarly, when the other form falls in response to its particular call the other semaphore-arm will be thrown up. Referring to this semaphore and its mechanism, Figs. 29 and 30, two disk-faces 97 and 98, curved sides, and supporting-frame form a circular box-casing, that is suitably supported on the usual post, Fig. 31. A hori zontal cross-brace of the frame provides bearings with the face-disks for the individual shafts 99 and 100 of the semaphore-arms, respectively, mounted thereon and each arm painted red and white on opposite sides, as usual. A segmental counterbalance-weight 101 and 102 is fixed, respectively, on each shaft inside said casing, and a red glass in a frame is also carried by each shaft on the opposite side of the shaft from said weight, so as to be brought opposite the intermediate lamp 136 to change its white light to red when the arm is raised.

The semaphore mechanism is in duplicate, and I will now describe one side and then the electric connections for both. The weight tends to raise the arm and is maintained in its normal raised position, as 102', Fig. 29, by a slotted link 103, acting as a brace, which is pivotally hung from the weight side, preferably, of the semaphore-arm and at its lower free end is guided by a pin 104:, fixed in the frame. A notch 105 at the side edge of said link opposite the pin when raised is engaged by a horizontal trigger 106, pivoted to the frame at 107 nearsaid link and having its free end held down normally bya verticallydisposed spring 108, supporting an armature 109 of an electromagnet 110. The armaturespring is fastened at the upper end to a suitable support 111and holds the armature v important that the pin 10% be in line with trigger when set in order that the adjacent heel of the trigger after its release shall be held in raised position by the descending link, asindicated by dotted lines. Then when the station agent pulls down semaphore-arm again by the cord 112 the link rises and the trigger settles back by gravity till the heel is engaged by the lower shoulder or hook of the notch, which snaps the free end past the armature-spring. The heel enters the notch and the upper shoulder holds the linkfrom descending till the armature is attracted. Thus the trigger is self-setting. One side of the semaphore is a duplicate of the other reversed. Below the link is a switch 113, pivoted to an insulating-plate 114 on the frame and having two contacts 115 and 116 for its free end, with the upper of which it is normally engaged by its tension -spring, as indicated by dotted lines. The link in its descent impinges on said switch by an insulated engagement and shifts it to the lower contact 116, where it holds it as long as the semaphore-arm is raised.

Fig. 29 shows the link on the farther side of the casing holding down its switch, the corresponding switch for the near side being removed for the sake of clearness. Astop 117, preferably on the weighted end of the somaphore-arm, engages with the cross-brace or otherwise to limit the upward movement of the arm and the descent of the link.

As shown in Fig. 31, each semaphore-switch has a conductor connecting it with the contact on its corresponding form-guide. The upper contact button of each semaphoreswitch has electrical connection through the trigger-magnet for its side with the plus pole of the battery 56, for instance. The semaphore-switches are closed on their upper buttons normally, and the outside lower contacts 94L and 93, clipped together, have a common conductor to the minus pole of the same battery, as before mentioned. The descent of either form-guide therefore will close its outside contacts 92 and 9% or 91 and 93, and thus complete the circuit through the switch and the trigger-magnet of the corresponding side, which will release the semaphore-arm held by that trigger. At the same time the outside contacts are closed the inside contact of the same guide operated opens the circuit at its opening-arm, Fig. 31, thus opening the circuit of the escapement magnet, which stops the escapement and winding mechanism, and hence the movement of the bar- Wheel and bars. This first transfers the instrument-battery to the semaphore-circuit. After the switch is shifted by the link the battery is transferred to the bell-circuit now to be described.

The lower buttons of each semaphoreswitch are connected by a common conductor 118 with the electric magnet 119 of a callbell, the tongue of which bell is mounted on the armature 120, Figs. 3 and 31, pivoted to a shaft 12 or otherwise and provided with a return-spring. A spring-contact 122, insulatingly mounted on the back of said armature, is connected to one of the terminals of, Fig. 31, the bell-magnet and opens and closes the circuit on a suitable contact-point having electric connection, Fig. 31, with the plus pole of the instrument-battery 56, for instance. The bell-circuit to the minus pole of the battery is completed through the lowered switch and closed outside contacts of the dropped form-guide. Thus the bell will ring continuously till :stopped by opening the bellcircuit. This is done by means of a hammer and trip mechanism for the forms and guides with their contacts, Fig. The preferred construction of said hammer mechanism consists of a ratchet-wheel 123, fixed to the shaft 121 and engaged by a single spring hook-pawl 124, carried by the bell-armature. The vibration of the pawl drives the ratchet-wheel, and a check-spring 125 prevents backward movement of the wheel. A lifting-arm 126, Fig. 1, having a gradual diverging curve on one side and a sudden return on the other, is rotated by said ratchetwheel. quired. These ends are secured by a wormpinion 127, fixed to said Wheel-shaft and meshing with a worm-gear on a cross-shaft on which said cam is also mounted. Near said cam is a horizontal spring 128, fixed to a suitable support at one end andprovided with a hammer-ball at the other end and having also a side lug which projects over said cam to raise the hammer thereby.

The trip mechanism consists of a lever 129, suitably fulcrumed in lugs 81 at the top of the guide-support 81, Figs. 19, 20, and 21, and adapted to engage by one end the projecting pins 82 and 83 in the tops of said guides. The other end is located under the hammer, so as to be struck a quick light blow when the point of the lifting-cam passes the side lug of the hammer-spring. l/Vhen the hammer falls and lifts the form-guide that had closed, the bell-circuit is opened at the outside contacts of the guide just lifted and the bell ceases. The inside contact and openingarm of the same guide is closed again, thus restoring the escapement-circuit.

A temporary prop is needed to hold up the lifted form till the bars on which it normally rides are passed under it; otherwise it would drop back into mesh with the bars and ring the bell again. This prop preferably consists of a curved cam 130 and 131, pivoted by its upper end to lugs 82 and 83 at the bottom of the guides, Figs. 15, 16, and 19. These supporting-l ugs project at right angles to each other when the guides are mounted in their supporting-plate, Fig. 4, so that the props will hang at substantially the same distance from the axis of the main driving-shaft. Se-

Its ed go Considerable power and time are re- ICC is beveled, and the ends of said props normally ride on this beveled portion, as shown, Fig. 10, till the form drops into mesh with its bars in answer to its call. Then the prop slips off the beveled edge to the periphery of said disk. When its form is lifted by the hammer and trip mechanism above described, the prop is raised above the disk and swings inward, so that it rests on the inner portion of the disk and supports the form above the bars. Thepivotsofthepropsbeingnearerthe axis than the bevel portion of the disk, Fig. 10, the above inward movement is readily effected by gravity or otherwise. \Vhen the winding mechanism is again operated and the main shaft turns, the serrations of the disk will pass under the prop at substantially right angles to its vertical plane, Fig. 4, and tend to carry its lower end outward till it rests on the beveled edge, thereby letting the form, after a quarter-turn or more, ride on the top of the space-bars, ready to drop when its call is again made. Thus the prop is only temporary in its action. I do not limit myself to the construction shown. The same call may be repeated and the bell again ring if the first call did not bring the operator to his key to take the train-order; but it is evident that stopping the train does not depend on getting the station operator to his key, since the first call given by the train-despatcher has set the semaphore to danger at that station. Thus the train can be stopped at the station called, whether the station operator is absent, asleep, or overcome by illness or other causes.

In order that the train-despatcher may know that the semaphore has operated, a telltale or repeat-back is given by the semaphore itself after the arm has been set. This is preferably accomplished by a pin 132 or other projection, Fig. 29, on the inside of the slotted link or elsewhere, that engages with the winding-lever 133 of an ordinary callboX consisting of a spiral spring and train of wheelwork connecting the lever with a repeating-wheel 134, having teeth of various width corresponding to the Morse code. A spring-fingerl35,insulatinglymounted,makes contact for a longer or a shorter time with the wide and narrow teeth, respectively, and breaks contact at the spaces between the teeth. This call-box is in series on the mainline wire M with the main-line relay, Fig. 34, actuatingthesounderinthetrain-despatchers office. Morse characters are cut in the periphery of said repeating-wheel, so as to repeat the call of the station where located, preferably with the word Red. Thus when form A, Fig. 22, registers, the link descends and releases the lever of the call-box. The tell tale would reply: O. K. A. Red A. The double O. K. of the station-call will, if the train-despatcher misses first, certify that the semaphore at the station intended to be called and actually called has been set to danger. After the train has arrived and the train-order has been delivered the station operator pulls down'thesemaphore to safety in the presence of the train crew.

It is well understood that when the traindespa-tcher breaks in every one using the line must close his key at once and give the traindespatcher the wire. It often happens from carelessness, inattention, or other reasons that this rule is not followed. Circumstances might occur that such delay, even if a few seconds, would be fatal to a train it was desired to stop. trol of any semaphore on the train-despatchers division, I provide an independent linewire, Fig. 34, on which the relay and semaphore of each and every station on the division are in series and the key in the traindespatchers office is the only key on the line. This independent wire is strung on the pole along with the train-wire, but entirely separate from the latter. The sole responsibility of stopping the trains therefore rests on the train-despatcher, since the only key that operates them is in his office. No station operator can set a semaphore by his key, as he might if the main-line wire was used for trainwire and semaphore-wire also. The train despatcher calls 13., (west-bound,) Fig. 23, at the first station, Fig. 34:, setting the semaphore, which repeats back to him: O. K. B. Red B, at the same time ringing the bell to call the operator to his key to receive the order. Again, at the second station the despatcher can set both the arms, blocking both east-bound and west-bound by calling U. D, for instance, toset the arm for the eastbound. The telltale reports: O. K. U. D. Red U. D. The bell rings at that station. The despatcher may call S. X., forinstance, to set the other arm for the west-bound. The telltale for that arm repeats back: O. K. S. X. Red S. X. Thus it is evident that perfect control is given the train-despatcher of displaying the semaphores, and the sole responsibility for stopping the trains rests on him.

Referring once more to the lamp, it will be seen that an opening in the top of the semaphore-head provides for the insertion of the lamp and is covered when the lamp is removed by a curved slide 137, fitting loosely into side grooves 138 of the casing. This cover prevents rain entering the casing should it be necessary to trim the lamp or remove it for any other purpose during a storm. When the lamp is inserted in the head, a weathertight joint is made with the casing by a flange on the lamp and fitting to the curve of the head, which covers the edge of the opening and supports the lamp.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A telegraphically-operated signal system, comprising a main wire, a key, a relay and a local-circuit sounder at the train-despatchers office and also at a signal-station, a semaphore-controlledrepeat-backmechauism In order to give instant conand a relay in series at the signal-station, a local magnet on the station relay-circuit, a double-pointed contact on the local-magnet armature, actuating mechanism for a semaphore, a semaphore, and electrical connections for said semaphore by which said localmagnet armature controls said semaphore.

2. A telegraphically-operated signal system, comprising a main wire, a key, a relay and local-circuit sounder at the train despatchers office, and also ata signal-station, a semaphore-controlled repeat-back mechanism and a relay in series on said wire at the signal-station, a semaphore at said station, a local magnet on the local relay circuit, a double-pointed contact on the local-magnet armature, actuating mechanism for the semaphore controlled by said local magnet, comprising a register having sliding bars operated by a space-circuit and a dot-and-dash circuit connected respectively to said double-pointed contact, and a semaphore electrically controlled through said register mechanism by said local magnet and its armature.

3. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination wit-h a semaphore-arm and an electric switch adjacent thereto, a pair of contacts, and their connections, of a link-detent pivoted to said arm adapted to support it and to throw said switch when disengaged, a trigger to hold said link, and an electromagnet controlling said trigger, substantially as described.

at. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with a semaphore-arm and an electric switch, of a slotted link pivoted to the said arm and having a notch at one side, and adapted to throw said switch, a guide-pin in said slot, a trigger pivoted near said pin and one end adapted to engage said notch, a spring-catch for the other end of said trigger, and an armature and electromagnet suitably connected to influence said spring and free saidtrigger.

5. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with a semaphore-arm, its horizontal shaft, and its weighted end on the opposite side of said shaft, of a slotted link pivoted to the weighted end, and having a notch and hook near its lower end, a guidepin in said slot, a horizontal trigger pivoted near said pin with one end engaging said notch to support said link when the latter is raised, and engaged by the side of said link to raise the free end of said trigger when the link is down, a spring-supported armature vertically disposed, to engage the free end of the trigger, an electromagnet to attract said armature, and an actuating mechanism for said magnet, controlled telegraphically.

6. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with a counterbalanced semaphore-arm, a link-and-trigger mechanism for said arm, a spring-mounted armature and its electromagnet, controlling said trigger, of a call-box, having a spring windinglever and repeating wheel, a pin on said link adapted to release said lever when the trig-v ger is free, a relay in the train-despatchers office, a sounder on the local circuit actuated by said relay, a telegraph-line. from said relay to said call-box and means to free said trigger telegraphically.

7. In a signal system, the combination with a semaphore-arm,electrically-operated mechanism for said arm, actuating mechanism, a call-bell, a battery, a switch connected to the battery and shifted by the operated semaphore-arm, a pair of terminals for the switch connected to the actuating mechanism and the battery, respectively.

S. In a signal system, the combination with a semaphore-arm, and operative mechanism for said arm consisting of a link, a trigger and an electromagnet controlling said trigger, of actuating mechanism for said semaphore, telegraphically controlled, a call-bell, a battery, a switch connected to said battery through said actuating mechanism, and two terminals connected respectively to the electromagnet and the call-bell, and adapted to be cut in by the operation of said arm, substantially as described.

9. In a signal system, the combination with two semaphore-arms, a1ink,a trigger and electromagnet controlling said trigger for each arm, two switch-terminals, and a switch in the path of said link for each arm, of actuating mechanism electrically controlling the action of said arms, a battery, and a call-bell connected by a common conductor, to one terminal of each switch, the other terminal of each switch being connected to its respective electromagnet, substantially as described.

10. In a signal system, the combination with a semaphore, and its call-bell having a vibratory armature and an electromagnet suitably connected, of a ratchet-wheel and driven mechanism for stopping said call-bell, a hook-pawl for said ratchet-wheel and mounted on said armature, and a check for said wheel, substantially as described.

11. In a signal system, the combination with semaphore-arms, and operative mechanism for each arm, of actuating mechanism consisting of a winding mechanism, an escapement mechanism, telegraphically controlled and driven by the winding mechanism, a registering mechanism for the escapement mechanism, and a Morse character form controlling each arm, and controlled by said registering mechanism, substantially as described.

12. A telegraphically-operated signal system, comprising a series of semaphorearms, operative mechanism for each arm, actuating mechanism consisting of a winding mechanism, an escapement mechanism telegraphically controlled, an equalizing driving connection between said winding and escapement mechanism, a registering mechanism for said escapement mechanism, a Morse-character form for each semaphore-arm and controlled by said registering mechanism, substantially as described.

13. Inatelegraphically-operatedsignalsystem, the combination with the driving-wheel of the escapement mechanism, of a winding mechanism consisting of a motor having s nitable battery connections, intergearing between said driving-wheel and the armatureshaft of said motor, apair of rings concentric with the shaft and insulatingly mounted, conductors respectively connecting said rings and motor-commutator, a pair of brushes for said rings supporting said driving-wheel, and

electrical conductors for said brushes com-- pleting the circuit.

14. In atelegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with the equalizing mechanism and the escapement mechanism driven thereby, of a winding mechanism, consisting of a motor and battery therefor, a pair of concentric rings insulatingly mounted and in series, with said motor and battery, a pair of brushes for said rings, a driving-gear mounted on said brushes, intergearing between the armature-shaft and said gear, and contact-points on the equalizing mechanism and driving-gear respectively, having conductors completingthe circuitto said brushes.

15. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with an escapement- Wheel and a motor-driven winding mechanism having a driving-gear, of an equalizing mechanism consisting of an arm loosely mounted on the same axis as the said winding-gear and escapement-wheel, springs connecting said arm with said gear and wheel respectively, and contact-points carried by said arm and gear respectively, and in series With the motor and battery of the motor-circuit.

16. A telegraphically-operated signal system, comprising an escapement mechanism,

a motor-driven winding mechanism, intermediate spring connections between said escapement mechanism and said winding mechanism, and electrical connections in series with the motor, whereby the escapement mechanism is driven With a yielding impulse and the motor is regulated,substantially as described.

17. A telegraphically-operated signal sjystem, comprising an escapement mechanism consisting of a motor driven escapementwheel with ratchet-teeth, an armature having a check-tooth, an escapement pivoted to said armature and having a contact-arm insulatingly mounted, a contact insulatingly mounted on said armature for said escapement-arm,

an electromagnet for said armature, and elec-.

trical connections for the said contact and escapement-arm for operating said escapement, substantially as described.

18. A telegraphically-operated signal system, comprising an escapement mechanism consisting of an escapement'ratchet-wheel, means to drive it, an armature having a checktooth, an escapement pivoted to said armature and having a spring-arm insulatingly mounted thereon, a contact-point insulatingly mounted on said armature adjacent to said arm, an electromagnet for said escapement, a local magnet and its armature having a common contact, and respective upper and lower contacts for said common contact and electrical connections, substantially as described.

19. In atelegraphically-operated signal system, an electromagnet in the local circuit, its armature having a common contact, upper and lower insulated contacts for said armature-contact, a driving escapement-wheel, an escapement-armature and its electromagnet, and electrical conductors from said upper and lower contacts respectively, for regulating the rotation of said escapement-wheel, substantially as described.

20. A telegraphically-operated signal system, comprising a signal, a socket-wheel for register-bars and means to rotate it, opera tive connections between said signal and socket-wheel, bars slidingly mounted in said wheel for indicating Morse characters, an encircling casing having a dividing-flange for separating the space-bars from dot-and-dash bars, a bar-switch in said casing to effect such separation, and means to operate said switch telegraphically, substantially as described.

21. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the herein-described slidable bar having a T-head and stem to indicate a Morse character by its position, in combination with an encircling casing having a dividing-flange for said stems to support them when adjusted, and means to raise said bars, to register spaces in Morse characters, substantially as described.

22. In atelegraphically-operated signal sys-' tem, the herein-described slidable bar for registering telegraphic characters, consisting of a shank 59 for slidingly mounting, a T head with a sharpened stem 60 at one side for lifting it, and a downward projection on the other to steady it, substantially as shown and described.

23. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with a socket-wheel, means to rotate it, and slidable bars mounted in the socket-rim of said Wheel, of a casing having a dividing-flange adjacent to said rim, a bar-switch, means to operate it, and a yielding point in line with said flange near said switch, substantially as described.

24. Inatelegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with a socket-wheel and means to rotate it, of bars slidingly mounted in said Wheel having stems projecting beyond its rim, a casing opposite said rim and having a dividing-flange, a bar switch in said casing, means to operate it, and a yielding point for said flange formed by a rockerarm adapted to yield circumferentially under engagement by a switched bar-stem, substantially as described.

25. In a telegraphically-operated signal sys tem, the combination with the bar-wheel and slidable bars, of forms riding above said bars having Morse characters adapted to match with same characters when registered by the said bars, guides connected to said forms, a bridging-plate forming a support for said guides, opening arms mounted on said support and having insulating-stops, contacts carried bysaid guides, and electrical connections for said contacts, substantially as described.

26. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with the form-guides, bars and rotary bar-wheel, of a rotary disk mounted above said wheel, and cam-props pivoted to said guides and acted on by said disk, substantially as and for the purpose described.

27. In atelegraphically-operated signal system,the combination with a signal, and its connections, movable pieces designating Morse characters by their adjusted positions, an adjuster, and actuating mechanism for said adjuster telegraphically operated, of a cut-out shoe having a contact and determining the dash-bars, an opening arm normally closed on said shoe-contact except in dash characters, and in series with said actuating mechanism, substantially as described.

28. In a telegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with a socket-wheel, a wheel-casing, slidable bars corresponding to spaces and dots in the Morse code, and means to shift said bars, of a shoe mounted above said bars and normally riding on the spacebars, and adapted to drop down between the space-bars, substantially as and for the purpose described.

29. In atelegraphically-operated signal system, the combination with movable pieces and means to support them, of the herein-described shoe, consisting of a horizontally-pivoted arm mounted above said movable pieces, and having a block on the end substantially the width of three of the movable pieces as mounted, and normally riding on the tops of said pieces till a space is left for it to drop between, and electrical connections opened by the dropping of said shoe, substantially as described.

30. In a signal system,the combination with a motor connected to a source of electricity, and an escapement mechanism, and a driving mechanism for said escapement mechanism of variable-pressure contacts, in series with said motor and interposed between said escapement and driving mechanism, for a current-regulator, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH N. NEWSOM.

Witnesses:

H. J. BRAUN, O. SKINNER. 

